Pretoria - It was a fitting way to celebrate the late Ronnie Mamoepa's 59th birthday by unveiling the Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre at the Government Communication Information System (GCIS).
Mamoepa was the spokesperson of the then deputy president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and one of the youngest prisoners on Robben Island.
He died on July 22 2017, having been in a coma following a stroke.
Colleagues, friends, journalists and former bosses, including minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu were in attendance to bid farewell to the veteran government communicator and Struggle icon.
Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu unveils a plaque at the new Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre. Video: Sakhile Ndlazi
Speakers related the professional and personal experiences they shared with the communications doyen, who was described as a gallant freedom fighter, a gentle giant and a humble man.
But it was his eldest son Olefile, who touched many with his warm speech.
“As you know my dad hates flying (planes) as much as he travelled so much.
He wanted to control the pilot, that’s why I have him to thank today now that I’m a pilot,” he said.
Mthembu unveiled a plaque which details Mamoepa’s life.